Saxony State Parliament approves strategy to secure maternity care

The Saxon State Parliament has passed a joint motion from the CDU, SPD, BÜNDNIS 90/DIE GRÜNEN, and Die Linke to secure maternity services across the state. The initiative aims to develop a comprehensive statewide strategy to prevent supply gaps and ensure safe, local access to childbirth services.

Since 1991, the number of hospitals with maternity wards in Saxony has decreased from 54 to 34. Recent closures in Kamenz and potential closures in Zschopau have highlighted the pressure on rural medical infrastructure. To address these challenges, a high-level working group comprising ministries, the Saxon Midwives Association, and perinatal centers will be established by the end of 2026.

The group is tasked with analyzing actual travel times, identifying service gaps, and exploring modern solutions such as telemedicine to connect small clinics with specialist centers. An interim report is expected by March 2027, with a complete statewide strategy due by the end of 2027.